Trip Highlights:
As many of our local guides will tell you, some of their first and most powerful experiences in Yosemite National Park were on classic, multi-day camping/hiking trips. The convenience of camping in a car-friendly site gives the opportunity to venture out daily to see the different landscapes, views, and vistas in every corner of this magnificent park.
Our Classic Camping/Hiking Adventure is a traditional way of visiting Yosemite without the “roughing-it” experience of a backpacking trip. We will shuttle out daily from our campsite, with daypacks and lunch in hand, to our selected hiking destinations. As the #1 guide service in Yosemite, our tours highlight a variety of iconic and popular features throughout the park as well as some of the lesser known gems. We will hike to the top of giant waterfalls, along glacially polished granite, through alpine meadows full of wildflowers, and past giant sequoia trees. We will stand atop granite domes and reach the top of a major summit. Along the way, your professional and knowledgeable guide will share the history of Yosemite as well as information about the geology, natural history, plants, and animals of the area.
Every night you will stay in a comfortable campsite. We will provide all of the required camping gear. You can leave the cooking to our experienced outdoor guides, known for providing tasty and satisfying meals. The night will come to an end with stories and laughter around the campfire. S’mores are on us.
This is a great Yosemite multi-day tour that caters to families and hikers of all skill levels. This is a top-choice for first-timers to Yosemite.
In addition to our published dates, you can contact us about planning other dates/packages ranging from at least three days in length.
NOTE: Classic Camping Dates remain tentative until we secure campsites, which we typically obtain approximately 5 months in advance. If campsites are unavailable in the popular Yosemite Valley, we will utilize other campsites within Yosemite and/or the adjoining National Forests, and adjusting the itinerary accordingly.
Length
Price
Per Person
You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.
Book with confidence knowing you can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before your trip date and receive a transferable lifetime credit that is good for use on any of our programs.
Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so at least 30 days before the current and new trip dates.
Dates below remain tentative until we confirm camping reservations approximately 5 months in advance.
Should Yosemite reservations be required, participation in Lasting Adventures programs, trips, and/or tours includes entry when reservations are needed
All dates remain tentative until permitted 5 months in advance. Please remain from making travel arrangements outside of this timeline. We will contact you if we are unsuccessful in obtaining your dates. Feel free to contact us if you would like to confirm. If you don’t see dates available, contact us to inquire about a Private Classic Camping adventure.
This is a Sample Itinerary only.
Day 1: Yosemite Valley
You will meet your guide at Curry Village at 2 p.m. This will be followed by group orientation and introductions. After getting settled in the campsite, the group will partake in an afternoon stroll of the eastern side of the Yosemite Valley. Dinner and campfire in the campsite as time allows. Total Mileage: 4-6 miles
Day 2: Mist Trail
After a hearty breakfast, we will shuttle to the Happy Isles trailhead to hike the famous Mist Trail. This hike gets you right up next to two of Yosemite’s most well-known waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and along the eastern edge of the aptly named Panorama Cliff. You will complete your loop and return to the valley via the famous John Muir Trail, offering new perspectives of the waterfalls you just hiked beside. Following the hike we will catch the shuttle back to our campsite for dinner and relaxation. Total Mileage: 7.2 miles
Day 3: Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point & Sentinel Dome
After an early breakfast, we will head to the Mariposa Grove to beat the morning crowds. The Mariposa Grove is the largest grove of giant sequoias in the park. After completing the 2-mile Grizzly Giant Loop, we will return to our vehicle and head towards Glacier Point, stopping at the Yosemite History Center & Pioneer Village in Wawona for lunch. Once at Glacier Point, we will take in the views and history of this famous landmark. From Glacier Point we will hike to the summit of Sentinel Dome at 8,122’ for incredible 360-degree views. Total Mileage: 5.0 miles
Day 4: Mt. Hoffman & May Lake
After a hearty breakfast, we will shuttle to the May Lake parking lot where we will have the option to summit Mt. Hoffman at 10,850’. This is the geographical center of Yosemite as well as John Muir’s favorite view in all of Yosemite. On our way back, we will have a chance to take a dip in May Lake. As time permits we will shuttle into Tuolumne Meadows for a quick overview, and perhaps, another amazing sunset opportunity. We will share a warm cooked meal around the campfire when we return back to camp. Total Mileage: 6.0 miles
Day 5: Self-Guided Tour
During breakfast your guide will present some options for a self-guided tour on your way out of Yosemite such as further exploration within the Yosemite Valley, a visit to the Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias (Hwy 120-west), a visit to Tuolumne Meadows (Hwy 120-east), or further exploration of the Pioneer Village & Wawona along Hwy 41 south. Plan to leave the campsite by 10 a.m.
Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.
